Pope touches Mexican hearts

Josefina Navarro Lopez and children Aurora Guadalupe and Jorge watch the canonization of Juan Diego on big-screen television at the Zocalo in Mexico City on July 31, 2002.

	"He loves Mexico" Pope John Paul II rides through Mexico City.

Now, 23 years later, he returned for what many believe will be his last visit to the Western hemisphere.

His health has been deteriorating in recent years. He suffers from the effects of arthritis and Parkinson's disease.

His three-day visit to Mexico seemed especially precious to Mexicans, many of whom felt that he would never return.

Above, Maria del Pilar Navarro lifts a holy hand as she watches the Canonization Mass of Juan Diego on a big screen television at the Zocalo in Mexico City.

"As I leave this land, I go but my heart remains." --Pope John Paul II

Above, Raymundo Yebra Soriano, 70, a breadmaker, and grandchildren Carina Dominguez Yebra and Eduardo Dominguez Yebra say they have proof that they are descendants of Juan Diego, the Indian peasant to whom the Virgen of Guadalupe appeared.

Christopher Jonay, left, dressed as Juan Diego, is picked up by his mother, Blanca Jonay, after the Pope drove by the Zocalo.

Pope's visit to Mexico

To next photo feature, "Mexico World Cup fans"

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©2002 Billy Calzada